rant

[rant]

verb (used without object)

1. to speak or declaim extravagantly or violently; talk in a wild or vehement way; rave.

   The demagogue ranted for hours.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or declaim in a ranting manner.

noun

1. ranting, extravagant, or violent declamation.

   Synonyms: extravagance, bombast

2. a ranting utterance.

rant

/ rænt /

verb

1. to utter (something) in loud, violent, or bombastic tones

2. (intr) to make merry; frolic

noun

1. loud, declamatory, or extravagant speech; bombast

2. a wild revel

3. an energetic dance or its tune

Other Word Forms

• ranter noun
• rantingly adverb
• outrant verb (used with object)
• unranting adjective
• ranting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rant¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, rant is from the Dutch word ranten (obsolete) to talk foolishly

Word History and Origins

Origin of rant¹

C16: from Dutch ranten to rave; related to German ranzen to gambol

Example Sentences

“But that’s all people in Asamando see when they look at me,” I say, fully aware that I’m entering rant territory.

Read more on Literature

They’d sit through endless dinners, laugh at Stalin’s stupid jokes, listen to his drunken rants until five in the morning.

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This crazy rant about Kelly’s ridiculous deal is going to impact our ability to give a ridiculous deal to the next guy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And it was something that Kelly Ripa, co-host of TV’s “Live with Kelly and Mark,” addressed recently in a rant that has gotten attention.

Read more on MarketWatch

So while people may wince at the price, they’re buying it anyway–and reserving the right to rant.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• diatribe 
• harangue 
• oration 
• rhetoric 
• tirade